“We are working on the premise that there is no shortage of work to be done to address the many social problems in our society. The aim is to support the considerable creativity, initiative and institutional capabilities that exist in the wider society to engage people in work that serves the common good.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa

The social employment strategy supports civil society organisations to create employment by building on the work they already do, to enable community-driven solutions to local problems, through supporting 16 hours of work per week. This includes a wide array of activities, including care, Early Childhood Development, combating gender-based violence, community safety, placemaking, river cleaning, support to creative initiatives and much more. This strategy forms part of the DTIC’s support to the Social and Solidarity Economy. The Industrial Development Corporation is the fund manager. The Social Employment Fund recently won the ‘Prosperity Catalyst’ category of the Bay Awards for social innovation, in Bilbao, Spain.